Former NBA guard Iman Shumpert sparked debate after saying Derrick Rose is “bigger than Jordan in Chicago.”
The comment, made during a sit-down on Club Shay Shay, quickly went viral, dividing basketball fans across the city and beyond. While Michael Jordan delivered six championships and built a global dynasty with the Bulls, Shumpert’s point appeared to focus on something different — emotional connection.
Rose, a Chicago native and the youngest MVP in NBA history, represented hope for the city in a deeply personal way. For many locals, he wasn’t just a superstar — he was one of their own.
Still, comparing anyone to Jordan in Chicago is bound to stir controversy. Championships built the legacy. Hometown pride built the bond.

